Limitation on cross-border visits leads to escalation of tensions

出自香港新聞網 - 樹仁新傳系學生實習習作

(Koon said it is not the right time to implement the new policy because it will worsen the relation between the mainlanders and Hong Kong people. How bad is the relation? Get any facts to exemplify it?)

reported by Keung Yu Ching (125057), 14th April, 2015

Revd Peter Douglas Koon, Provincial Secretary Genera of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui said that it is not a good time to limit cross-border trips as it will further “deteriorate the relationship between Hongkongers and Mainlanders”.

Shenzhen authorities announced the one-visit-per-week permit yesterday, aiming to crack down on the number of parallel traders visiting Hong Kong.

“It may not be an effective way to tackle the problems of parallel-good trading as many traders are from Hong Kong,” said Koon, adding that there are many better ways to counter parallel trading.

Koon said that it is not a good time to impose the new policy as there are many conflicts between Hongkongers and Mainlanders recently. “The policy will escalate the tensions as Mainlanders may think that they are discriminated,” he continued.

The current multiple-entry scheme was introduced in 2009, drawing 14.9 million mainland visitors to Hong Kong last year.